HARD-UP families in Nuneaton are being offered low-cost furniture in a project designed to give a "second chance" to other people's throw-aways.

The town has launched an initiative which involves the collection and re-distribution of furniture and other household goods at affordable rates to low-income groups.

The project, called Second Chance Furniture Re-Use, aims to cut the amount of bulky waste sent to landfill sites while offering job and volunteer opportunities to townsfolk.

It is based at 1a Weddington Terrace, Nuneaton, and is being funded by a Big Lottery Fund grant of £281,542 from the Community Recycling and Economic Development Programme.

Project manager Kay Caffrey said: "We are thrilled to have the chance to offer this service to the people of Nuneaton, Bedworth and north Warwickshire.

"I would encourage everyone to think about whether their furniture could be given a 'second chance' and ask them to contact us before considering using the council's bulky-waste refuse collection.

"We can collect for free and, thereby, everybody wins.

"Thanks to the award, we are able to provide a first-class collection and delivery service to those who wish to use our scheme and it will also prevent bulky waste going to landfill sites."

John Taylor, the Big Lottery Fund's head of region for the West Midlands, said: "Supporting the Second Chance Furniture Re-Use project is an excellent use of Lottery money - reducing waste and enabling local communities to care for their environment."

The project aims to provide good quality second-hand furniture to anyone on low incomes or benefits.

Mrs Caffrey said that as the project developed, it would provide training for people with mental health problems and learning difficulties to encourage confidence and new skills.

Warwickshire County Council is providing the Weddington Terrace premises for the first three years, and the Lottery funding will cover the costs of setting up the project, including the purchase of two vans.

Although normal sales at the centre are restricted to those on low incomes or benefits, it is hoped Open Sales Days to the wider public will be launched on a monthly basis from January.